Chapter Eighty-three

Chloe and Janet stood side by side in the spacious kitchen, their nimble hands moving in perfect harmony as they chopped vegetables and cracked eggs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, intermingling with the sizzling sound of bacon on the stove.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Chloe spoke up, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Have you seen Lucas lately?" she asked, her eyes darting to her friend's face.

Janet paused, her knife hovering over a plump tomato. "No, I haven't," she said finally, her tone guarded. "I've been avoiding him."

"Why?" Chloe pressed, her curiosity growing stronger by the second.

Janet hesitated before speaking. "Because he lied to me," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "He slept with me without telling me he was Emily's brother. I can't forgive him for that."

Chloe felt a pang of sympathy for her friend. "I'm sorry," she said softly, placing a comforting hand on Janet's shoulder. "That must have been tough for you."

J